The Panic Is On, The Citizens Band's seventh original show,
finds the troupe trapped in a makeshift bomb shelter where
they're forced to find common ground and hope in a terror filled
world. Performing a spirited mix of classic songs and original
compositions they ponder such issues as fear mongering, war,
immigration, xenophobia, poverty and their own dreams for political
change. With a set list spanning almost a century they bring
together a carnival of song while their boundless energy and
bawdy fun spill from the stage and wreak glorious havoc upon
the audience. Within the confines of their dusty underground
ballroom the bedraggled Citizens perform for one another, using
song and dance to articulate their desires and fears. Frequently
interrupted by explosions and creeping smoke, our shell shocked
Citizens consider their circumstances; lamenting their financial
ruin, succumbing to rousing propaganda, eulogizing their lost
soldiers and wrestling with their conscience as they dance,
flirt, swing from chandeliers and lift their voices together
in a chorus of hope, optimism and endurance.

"Private Cody" has returned from war to find himself
penniless and uncared for. A gentleman toff comes to terms
with his recent arrival on skid row as he asks "Brother,
Can You Spare A Dime?" A lady of the night seeks some
company in "The Deepest Shelter In Town", and a canny
xenophobic creates paranoia about the "Spiders" all
around. This hotchpotch of characters all come from the same
fantastic neverland set between 1850 - 1946 and each has a
story of their own. Fun, sexy, smart and ultimately uplifting,
The Panic Is On sees The Citizens Band take a uniquely humorous
yet emphatic look at our past in order to understand the present.

The Panic Is On debuted at the Ars Nova Theater in New York
City in November 2007.